Home / Lifestyle / Windsor Homelessness Soars: New Count Reveals Alarming Increase
Windsor Homelessness Soars: New Count Reveals Alarming Increase
28 Jul
Summary
- 2024 homelessness count in Windsor tallied 672 people, hundreds more than previous years
- Increase attributed to longer survey period and improved data collection methods
- Majority of homeless were single, adult males aged 25-49
In October 2024, a federally-mandated survey conducted in Windsor, Ontario uncovered a startling increase in the city's homeless population. The point-in-time count tallied 672 people, hundreds more than previous surveys in 2016, 2018, and 2021.
The 2024 count was conducted over a four-week period, compared to just one week in previous years. Officials say this longer survey duration, along with enhanced data collection methods, contributed to the higher numbers. However, they also acknowledge that Windsor's homeless population seems to be growing, mirroring trends seen across Canada.
The report provides further insights into the composition of Windsor's homeless community. Over half were single, adult males between 25 and 49 years old, while 35 respondents were 60 or older - a significant increase from the 2021 count. Many cited income, conflicts with significant others, and other factors as the primary drivers of their homelessness.
As the city works to address this pressing issue, future point-in-time counts will be conducted annually, with the next scheduled for October 2027. Experts say early intervention and proactive measures will be crucial to getting ahead of the homelessness curve in Windsor.
